electrical diagnostic practices/procedures

[jick.cejoco]

in most of general motors, i.e. Cadillac,Chevrolet,Buick, Oldsmobile, Pontiac and GMC, discourages technicians from poking into the wire insulation to make measurements or continuity because it breaks the wire insulation and therfore becomes a conduit for moisture that causes "ghost" problems. motorage discourages technicians from backprobing terminals because it can "mask" a potential cause of electrical anomalies or problems. it could "accidentally fix" a problem and could be a potential backjob. the question now is, which method do you prefer in wiring diagnostics?

personally, if i have access to the wring, i pierce the insulation to make measurements or diagnoses. the question now is: how about the wire insulation injury?
with this, i use liquid electrical tape after the testing to seal off the wire insulation injury. in the absence of liquid electrical tape, i use acrylic nail polish to seal off and prevent water intrusion into the wires. afterall, the most sensitive wires are the ones that lead to control modules. which, in most cases, a very confused and uncertain technician let alone a "mechanic" always blames the computer.

[jick.cejoco]

With today's cars that have a myriad of microcomputers on board, it is risky to disconnect the battery to check the function of the charging system. the high voltage spike/surge can cause trouble to the sensitive electronics. never disconnect the battery terminals with the ignition switch in the ON position.

[baludoy]

With today's cars that have a myriad of microcomputers on board, it is risky to disconnect the battery to check the function of the charging system. the high voltage spike/surge can cause trouble to the sensitive electronics. never disconnect the battery terminals with the ignition switch in the ON position.

How about when charging the car's battery using ctek and the like? How safe is it really?

Sent from my RMX3690 using Tsikot Forums mobile app

[12vdc]

I always charge the battery with engine off, doors locked & hood switch jammed. It may take longer to charge if unlocked, anyway the BCM will shut-off after several minutes of idle state. Charger could pump up to 17Volts esp when desulfating mode.

[oj88]

The battery should be disconnected from the vehicle when running any desulfation/repair modes. Some chargers are smart enough to disable this mode if it senses the vehicle electronics. Others will have a warning label discouraging the use of this mode while the battery is still connected to the vehicle.

[12vdc]

Then you will have to use another tool to avoid losing car electronics memory, or it may cause check engine light if the sensors are sensitive enough to detect delays in low voltages triggering a false alarm.

No harm done to all the vehicles I've charged with the 7-stage charger that comes built in automatic desulfator.

[yapoy86]

The battery should be disconnected from the vehicle when running any desulfation/repair modes. Some chargers are smart enough to disable this mode if it senses the vehicle electronics. Others will have a warning label discouraging the use of this mode while the battery is still connected to the vehicle.

agree.. in my ctek charger, desulfation mode voltage is at 15V, which maybe too high to modern electronics running at 14.5volts